My grandfather used to tell this story when Martial Law was brought up the table, that he

was once dragged outside their door because of an inquiry he can never recall what. He only

remembers the fear but not the exact reason. Which I think is the simplest representation of

reminiscing the events that had happened in those times. He was one of the lucky ones who

survived and was able to tell his side to us in his generation. My grandmother, his wife,

according to his testimony was much more reminded of the strict discipline implemented on the

outsides of the society. Everything was on the hands of the military government, to which the

jurisdiction of the decisions where in their will. I would like to think that it is some sort of

imputing such method to the Filipinos back then stills an understanding of letting them learn in a

hard way, and respect what the administration has to bring in the country. However, hearing

other sides of the story will always turn things upside down.

You may not even crawl to the media to acquire the real thing that might be situating in

the community, because media as well is under control of the national government. It came to a

point in my analysis that it was indeed toxic and dictatorial in nature, but I can never encapsulate

what really transpired in the heart and minds of our elders during those times. You may describe

this as a situation where in every move you make, you must always be approved by the officials.

They probably thought back then if we are a democratic country after all. Moreover, as to what

pushed our leaders to resorting in such stern governance, to hopefully develop or maintain the

country is still a mystery to most of us. Seeking for justification and answers will always be

following the issue maybe even for the hundred years to come. Because not only those who

survived are affected and curious, even those who are determined to create the shot of article to

deliver. The only thing we can do is to reflect, analyse, and retell stories and testimonies we can

find, everything are just resources for us.